In a move aimed at boosting economic empowerment among women, President William Ruto has announced the creation of a new fund targeting 600,000 single mothers and women across Kenya. The initiative, unveiled in a recent address, is designed to complement the ongoing NYOTA programme, which provides training, mentorship, and access to funding for vulnerable groups. The government plans to equip beneficiaries with essential business skills through coordinated efforts between national and county government programs, giving women a stronger foundation to achieve financial independence.
The announcement comes at a time when many women across the country face economic challenges that limit their opportunities to generate sustainable income. The NYOTA programme, which the new fund will reinforce, has been instrumental in supporting women by offering financial literacy training, small-scale business mentoring, and grants to kickstart entrepreneurial ventures. Speaking at the launch, President Ruto emphasized that empowering women is not only a step toward social equity but also a strategy to enhance household welfare and contribute to national development. Officials highlighted that the initiative will be rolled out through a structured training curriculum, ensuring that participants gain practical knowledge that can be applied in real business scenarios.
The response from communities and women’s groups has been overwhelmingly positive. Local leaders and beneficiaries have welcomed the fund, noting that it has the potential to transform livelihoods and reduce poverty at the household level. Observers say that by equipping women with the skills and resources to thrive economically, the programme could have ripple effects on broader social and economic development, including improved education outcomes for children and strengthened community resilience. Looking ahead, the government intends to monitor the progress of the initiative closely, with plans to expand coverage and integrate complementary support services such as mentorship networks and market access for women-led enterprises, aiming to ensure lasting impact across Kenya.